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Repolling in Bengal booths possible; ECI updates ahead of results day
The Election Commission said repolling in select West Bengal booths, if required, could be held on May 2 or May 3, after scrutiny of station-wise reports. The second phase concluded on April 29, with scrutiny continuing and complaints including EVM tampering under review; on-ground inspections are being directed by a Special Observer. Separately, the EC released video addressing a voter-death controversy and held a meeting on post-poll security as clashes were reported earlier.
Why It Matters
This update indicates potential repolling in Bengal ahead of results, ongoing scrutiny of EVM-related complaints, and heightened security planning, all of which could influence the final results and public trust in the electoral process.
Timeline
9 Events
Ongoing examination in North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas
May 1, 2026
Examination of polling station data and related reports continues in North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas as part of the booth-level scrutiny.
Scrutiny finds no repoll needed in Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, Kolkata North and Kolkata South
May 1, 2026
Officials said polling station-wise scrutiny has been completed in Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, Kolkata North and Kolkata South, with no repoll deemed necessary in these areas.
ECI sources: over 3,500 complaints across phases; 77 linked to EVM tampering
May 1, 2026
Officials said more than 3,500 complaints have been received across phases, with at least 77 complaints related to alleged tampering of electronic voting machines from four South 24 Parganas constituencies: Falta, Diamond Harbour, Magrahat and Budge Budge; scrutiny is ongoing.
ECI releases video addressing death controversy in Howrah polling
May 1, 2026
The Commission released video footage addressing the controversy surrounding the death of an elderly voter in Howrah's Udaynarayanpur; the footage purportedly shows the voter collapsing inside the polling station, countering allegations of CAPF manhandling.
Virtual meeting to review preparedness for post-poll security
May 1, 2026
The Commission held a virtual meeting with senior state administration and police officials to review preparedness and prevent post-poll violence; reports of clashes had emerged from Parnasree in Behala after polling ended on April 29.
Special Observer Subrata Gupta directed to conduct on-ground inspections
April 30, 2026
The Commission directed Special Observer Subrata Gupta to carry out on-ground inspections of affected booths before a final decision is taken; Gupta is visiting locations and consulting with other observers.
ECI indicates repolling in select booths, if needed, could be on May 2 or May 3
April 30, 2026
Chief electoral officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said repolls, if required, would be held on May 2 or May 3 as polling-station-wise reports and complaints continue to be scrutinized.
Second phase polling concludes; 142 constituencies covered across nearly 41,000 polling stations
April 29, 2026
The second phase of polling took place on April 29, covering 142 assembly constituencies across nearly 41,000 polling stations. No repoll was reported for the first phase.
First phase polling concludes across West Bengal; no repoll sought
April 23, 2026
The first phase of polling across West Bengal was held on April 23, covering around 44,370 polling stations in 152 constituencies. The Election Commission said no repoll was required in this phase.